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April 16, 2008

now on to amsterdam.

How did you end up making a home in Amsterdam?We moved to Amsterdam because my husband was offered an exciting job here in a start-up company. Even though we're both Dutch, We've been away for 7 years and I've never lived in Amsterdam before, so it almost felt like moving to a whole new country!

Favorite meal of the day/favorite food?My favorite meal is breakfast. In the Netherlands, ‘ontbijt’ (breakfast) is important and we like to enjoy it as a family – every day! We eat different sorts of bread with cold cuts, Dutch cheeses and sweet spreads. I’m lucky, because my husband, who’s more of a morning person than I am, prepares it so I can have a lie-in…

Favorite shopping spot?I like going to the Nine streets in Amsterdam, where there are loads of cool boutiques. I also love the Cornelis Schuyt straat and surroundings – very stylish and chic shops.Specific shops I like for children:Keet in huis toys, bedding, clothesImps&Elfs flagship storeLuukie childrens’ shoesKoter&Co for babies, Groter&Co for bigger kids (nextdoor)Meys&Co childrens’ shoesImagine for the cutest toys!

Favorite attraction?For adults and kids it must be Artis, the Amsterdam Zoo. The Amsterdamse Bos is nice as well – there is an ecological Goat farm where the kids can feed the kids ☺.For kids: TunFun. They have a blast there!For adults (mums, for sure): the Aveda day spa in my building is absolutely wonderful. I love it.

Favorite time of year?Summer! Can’t wait! Cute dresses, flip flops, eating outside… And so much more fun to cycle around Amsterdam in the sunshine instead of the rain!

Favorite tradition?I really like Sinterklaas (St. Nicolas), every year on the 5th of December. It’s a special Dutch tradition, where the children get presents (we don’t traditionally give presents for Christmas, although a lot of people do it both these days).

Favorite thing about living where you live?Dutch people are very liberal thinkers. Same sex marriage was legalized in 2001 and euthanasia in 2002. Abortion has been legal since 1981. Soft drugs and prostitution are legal, although in my personal opinion we’re going a bit too far there! Dutch people are also very innovative thinkers. Some of the worlds best designers, scientists and architects come from Holland.

One interesting fact about the country you live in.It’s very common in the Netherlands that husband and wife (or husband and husband, or wife and wife, for that matter) both work part time (each 3 or 4 days), and thus really share the working time and raising children time.Another interesting fact about the Netherlands is that a lot of it is below sea level, and that Dutch people are the tallest in the world - but you might have known that already.A 2007 UNICEF report on child well-being in rich countries ranked the Netherlands as the best country for children to live in.